15th Annual Heritage Days at the Depot

This award-winning living history event showcases the skills and craftsmanship of 18^th and 19^th century pioneers. Fifteen heritage skills artisans and historical interpreters present hands-on instruction to school children in grades 2 – 5, and 8 in Anderson County during the two education days, and visitors to our Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival held on Saturday enjoy the exhibitions as a cultural and educational event.  History becomes a tangible and memorable experience as students and visitors gain first-hand knowledge through interactive presentations.

This festival exists to encourage, promote, conserve, and honor the traditional art forms and heritage skills that make our state distinct. The overall aim of Heritage Days at the Depot is to foster in our community a greater understanding of, appreciation for, and interest in the traditional arts and skills of our forefathers.  Further goals of Heritage Days at the Depot include the following:  1.  to educate the public about the traditional arts and skills;  2. to promote and preserve the traditional arts and skills;  3.  to exhibit/display traditional skills;  and 4.  to provide an enriching cultural experience for our community and visitors.

During the event, fifteen demonstrators will present to school children and the general public.  This year’s artisans include camp cooks-Scott and Sherri Beam,  wool spinner/weaver-Karen Cox, Native American dancer-Chenae Bullock, rug hooker–Paula Ashworth, cooper-Larry Eichman, beekeeper- Keith Raines, Revolutionary War heroine-Carin Bloom, school master-Andrew Schuler, clock maker-Tony McDonald, paper marbler-Barbara Ervin, slave story teller-Donald Sweeper, dulcimer maker-Dean Eades, turkey call maker- Bob Harwell, and stained glass maker-Stacy O’Sullivan.

Heritage Days at the Depot will take place on Thursday – Saturday October 3-5, 2019, in Belton, SC, on the grounds of the Historic Belton Train Depot. Thursday and Friday, children in grades 2 – 5 and 8 in Anderson School District Two, area home schooled students, and a number of students in grades 2nd – 5^th from the other four Anderson districts and private schools (approximately 2000 students) will attend at least five sessions of 20 minutes each with various presenters. Students outside District Two pay a fee to attend the event.

The students will be encouraged to come back on Saturday with their families to see all of the artisans/historical interpreters share their skills. On Saturday the event is held in conjunction with our city’s Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival and the general public can view the demonstrations from 10:30 AM–3:30 PM.

This event is sponsored by the Foothills Community Foundation, WebbCraft Family Foundation, Waste Connections, Anderson County, City of Belton HTAX, Darby Metalworks, Inc., Commercial Bank, BestBuy, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds, Hardees, Chick Fil A, Sam’s Club, First Quality, SC Arts Commission and SC Humanities.